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I VERSES 1 

I — ^m^ 1 




Do take these kindly, e'en tho there be 

Some notes that hold no sweetness here for thee ; 

But if there be one verse that bears a grain 

Of happiness for thee, my work's not vain. 




BY 



HELEN K. GIBBONS 



•K«ii< 



.iiii_»ii(i_>iiii«— •u»Mi— »IHI— — »»« 



.H»X« 






QEC 24 1917 



Copyright 1917 

HELEN K. GIBBONS 

©CI.A48110a 



DEDICATED TO 

MY MOTHER 



BARANDON PRESS, PHIU.; PA. 



Page No. 

Any Soldier 108 

April Showers 36 

Autumn 40 

Ave 128 

Being: Happy 89 

Charity 97 

Cynic's Mood, A 14 

Dark Days 110 

Day 3 

Dawn 2 

Darkness and Light 104 

Death 125 

Depression 100 

Desire 82 

Dreams 96 

Dreamland 72 

Ecce Homo 64 

Ego 81 

Faithless 48 

Fancy 80 

Friend, A 28 

Forgetting 66 

Farewell 53 

Fear Ill 

Forgiveness 106 

Friendship 92 

Future, The 115 

Garden of Fancy 91 

Gentle Voice, The 85 

God-Gifts 61 

Good-bye 49 

Green Room, The 79 

Grief and Hope 95 

Hidden Charm 26 

Hero, A 70 

Human Liberty 93 

Ideal, An 120 

In the Old Trunk 17 

In the Valley — On the Hilltops 18 

If You But Knew 52 

Kindness 116 

Kiss, A 34 

Little Ones, The , 71 

Lesson, A 67 

Letter to , A 55 

Little Gray Shawl. The 11 

Little Shrine of Sleep 12 

Little Sunbeam, A 20 

Love and Pain 25 

Longing 32 

Love Has Gone! 50 

Lowly Task, The 83 

Little Joys 102 

Longing for Death, A 114 

Lost Vocation, A 124 

Memories 84 

My Fairy Grotto 90 

My Roses 98 

My Island Home 99 

My Lady's Secret 113 

My Child-Wife 7 

My Mate 5 

My Wife 6 

My Trust 9 



Continued: Page No. 

My Father 21 

My Love 45 

My Blessing 59 

My Master 60 

My Shepherd 62 

My Friend 69 

My Gift — A Friend 76 

Master Violinist, The 105 

Man, A 118 

Manhood 123 

Mate 10 

Morning Dew 16 

Mother-Love 29 

Night 4 

Night In the Woods 127 

No Time For Sadness 30 

Our Child 8 

Our Dreams 35 

Our Love 122 

Orange Blossoms 46 

Pan 23 

Pansy Faces 75 

Plea to the World, A 74 

Poet. A 57 

Present, The 24 

Patience 107 

Purpose 101 

Rain Clouds 44 

Robin, The 73 

Sacred Heart, The 63 

Starlit Night 43 

Stream Song, The 42 

Spring-Time 39 

Siren, The 15 

Sea, The 31 

Spring, The 37 

Sunset Thoughts 54 

Sons of Earth 103 

Sin 109 

Sinner, The 112 

Sun-dial. The 119 

Sunset. The 27 

Trust 1 

Too Late ! 13 

True Love 22 

Thoughts Expressed 38 

Time 66 

True Fame 77 

Treasures 78 

Troubled Heart. A 86 

•Till I Met You 121 

Twilight 126 

Valley of Trouble. The . 88 

Woods, The 33 

Winter 41 

Waiting 51 

When 56 

Worn Path 68 

Work 94 

Woman. A 117 

White-Red Rose. The 87 

Your Love 19 

Your Eyes 47 

Your Heavenly Father 58 



©rust 

Why art thou weary, O my soul! 

What dost thou fear? 
Why art thou trembUng, my soul ! 

Is He not near? 

Will He not hear your praj'cr and heed 

Is He not kind? 
Then why so fearful when you plead, 

A way He'll find. 

Has He not guided all your ways 

And loved you well? 
Has He not watched o'er all your days, 

E'en though you fell? 

Turn then to Him, my weary one. 

And watch and pray. 
When Hfe's sad cares so often run, 

From day to day. 



Bautn 

Slowly the dawn unveils the day, 
While the heavens in silent awe 

Wait for the coming of silent night, 
And worship at morning's door. 

The world that was sorrowful, wan and dull 
Last night, as the new day breaks, 

Sees hope and the promise of bright, new life 
In the radiant light that it makes. 



lag 

The sun has not yet risen, 

But lo! in the far away, 
A brightness slow is creeping, 

O'er the sky and into day. 

One slender shadow lone remaining, 

The path of dying night; 
And a drowsy calm rules widely 

O'er earth from height to height. 

The birds have begun to stir, 

But strangely not to sing; 
Huddling close in nests so downy, 

Save a solitary wing. 

The drowsy beetle sinks to rest, 
The creatures that roam in the night 

Are setting their households in order 
And soon will fade from sight. 

Slowly the gray veil is fading, 
And a radiance slender but strong 

There in the east is brightening, 
And slowly is moving along. 

Then bursts the sun from heaven. 
And the world is all a-song; 

Leaps from the nest each birdling. 
And day moves merrily on. 



Nt9l)t 



Dame Nature calls the day across the hills, 
And summons waiting night from eastern gate ; 

The altar fires blaze on the western hills, 
The brightening stars in shade no longer wait. 

She touches fevered brow with hands of peace. 
And life's stern struggles yield to calmest trust ; 

The soul alone doth glow, it does not sleep. 
Old faiths relight their dying fires from dust. 

A sweet and fragrant life now seems to dawn, 
And sends its subtle music through the earth ; 

The night is starlit and the shadows dense. 
And whispering breezes seem like Angel's breath. 

The old road has a charm both new and strange, 
And as in worship, all in silence pray ; 

God is in Heaven, but on earth as well, 
He bids each heart to rest till dawn of day. 



1Mb Mutt 

Lips of the reddest, lips that are true, 
Sparkling eyes of so dusky a hue; 
I lost in their wondrous depths my way, 
To find myself in your heart for aye. 

Darkest of tresses where shadows play, 
That twine round my heart and seek to stay; 
Lips that are warm, tho' fresh as the dew, 
In one long kiss drew my soul to you. 

Heart from whence warmest life blood doth flow, 
Soul that is purer than whitest snow ; 
Thou art my comrade, my mate for life, 
God made thee mine when He named thee Wife. 



— 5 



M^ Wxft 

Thou art God's gift of gifts to me, 
Thou art my heart, my soul, my Hfe; 

My dream of home and Paradise, 
And more than this, thou art my Wife. 

My comfort and my comrade brave. 
My mate to share all peace, all strife ; 

My guide in life, my hope in death. 
And more than this, thou art my Wife. 



-6- 



Mvi (dlltlb Wife 



A comrade to me, tho* child wife was she, 
But the days were bright beyond number; 

And over the bed of our own curly head, 
We've watched, till the watching brought slumber. 

We've both shed a tear when no one was near 

And our union was all the sweeter ; 
God sent grief and pain, I pleaded in vain, 

But Death in his harvest was fleeter. 

He took from our side our joy and our pride. 
And left but the dust and the waking; 

She tried to be brave, but there was the grave. 
And her heart was all but breaking. 

But oh ! it is odd, that a merciful God, 

Of all on the earth the Maker, 
Should call her away, and bid me to stay. 

And out of my arms to take her. 



-7 



Rest, sleepy head, so trusting on my breast; 

Clasp, little fingers, close, and hold to mine ; 
Cling, little form, cling closely to my heart, 

And go thro' this wide world of mine and thine. 

Wake, sweet, and ope your eyes to beauty's call. 
To all this world of Him Who gave me thee; 

Live, dear, and know that life is joy and love, 
For 'twas from love that God made you for me. 

He took our love, a pray'r, a sigh, a hope. 
Then gave His greatest gift, a perfect soul; 

With sunbeam for your smile, a rose for lips. 
Heaven's blue your bright pure eyes and blessed the whole. 

Oh God! Who made this perfect one for us, 
Keep pure and strong his heart and soul and mind; 

And make his boyhood sweet, his manhood clean, 
Leave not his side till You proclaim him Thine. 



M^ Sruat 

I love to hear the rippling laugh, 

To watch the dimples at play; 
To see the sweeping lashes, black, 

Neath which the brown eyes lay. 

To see the full white throat so soft, 

The bosom like drifted snow; 
Tresses where lie a hundred curls. 

And lips like Cupid's bow. 

'Twas God that made thee wondrous fair, 

And in trust to me He gave; 
He bade me love and cherish dear, 

Protect thee and guard and save. 

When the day comes when He summons thee. 

And bids me judgement stand. 
May He find thee as fair and pure, 

As when thou left His hand. 



— 9 



Ah Mate, we're old and we're gray now, 
And facing death's dark door; 

But it's hand in hand we are going, 
As we faced the days of yore. 

Ah Mate, how oft have we sat thus, 

By our open fire at night; 
And always our dreams and our fancies 

Were sweeter than in the light. 

Ah bright were the days that have gone, 
But brighter are those to run ; 

'Tis only a new world v/e'll enter, 
When our work here, dear, is done. 

Ah Mate, the way may be dark there. 
But we'll lead each other and go ; 

As one will the Master judge us, 
As one will we Heaven know. 



10 



SI1|0 iCtttk ^rag #l]aml 

A little shawl, 'tis worn and gray! 

But how I love to touch 
And smoothe the rough parts into place, 
For oh 1 I love it much. 

The shoulders that it once kept warm, 
Were neither broad nor straight ; 

But how I loved that fragile form, 
For she was mine, my Mate. 

This somehow seems a part of her. 

For in our later years 
She seemed to love that wee gray shawl, 

That I see now midst tears. 

For three score years we lived and loved, 

A month ago she died; 
And e'er another moon doth rise. 

They'll lay me by her side. 



II- 



UtttU Slfrttt? of g>Upp 

There is a little shrine of sleep, 
Where brightest Angels watching keep; 
And hovering o'er the trundle bed, 
Bring sweetest dreams to our curly head. 

The moon-beams light this little shrine 
With wondrous glow that seems divine ; 
And surely God has blessed his sleep, 
Or why does he a-smiUng keep? 

In golden tangle lie the curls. 
And lips just part to show the pearls; 
I watch thee, Oh ! how fair art thou ! 
Sweet gift of God and hallowed vow. 



-12- 



5[00 Unit 

There were so many joys we might have shared, 
So many heart-aches that you might have spared, 
But now 'tis late! 

You could have been more generous with your smile. 
Or sent a little flower once in a while; 
'Tis now too late! 

Why did you keep your love locked in your heart 
And every thought from me kept far apart? 
Till 'twas too late! 

But now you bring the flowers, kind things unsaid, 
Your heart, your life — but now my love is dead. 
And 'tis too late ! 



13 — 



A curse upon the lives of those 

To whom I owe existence ! 
I am — from their desires I came 

And offered no resistance. 

Why must a child of passion born, 

(If passion be a real sin), 
Render to a higher pow'r 

The state his soul exists in? 

My thoughts so seldom seem my own, 

My actions so oft guarded ; 
With laws laid down by whom for whom 

My very soul's bombarded. 

Of humans born and never pure. 
Ne'er bloomed a lily snow-white ; 

Canst blame me thus from darkness borne, 
A soul for seeking daylight? 

From what sphere did I truly come. 
And then from here where go? 

Is even death a certainty, 
Or is it, too, a show? 

Why must I strive and barter for 

A life I did not seek? 
Why must I work and suffer for 

A life I cannot keep? 



14 — 



Et\t ^mn 



You're not to blame that God saw fit 

To make you a being so fair; 
So winning, gentle, coy and sweet, 

So beautiful, so rare. 

Would He have given thee such grace, 

Had He counted all the cost? 
Knowing the heart of man so well, 

Are you worth the souls He's lost? 

For tho* He made you wondrous well. 

He gave you a heart of stone ; 
Your charms but wrecked and tortured men 

And left them to die alone. 

You're not to blame that God saw fit 

To make you a being so fair; 
But oh what a wondrous creation, 

If only a heart were there. 



-15 — 



Oft I've thought that the dews of the morning 
Were tears from the eyes of the stars of night; 

Tears for the world, for the night so sinful, 
To cleanse God's earth for the morning light. 

That He'd see the trees, the grass, the flowers, 
All the haunts of nature with beauty decked ; 

Be pleased with the world, forgive the sinning, 
And save all the souls that dark night had wrecked. 



16 — 



3n SIi? (§lii Ermk 

You have come to that pale blue ribbon? 

Untie, dear, the bow — ^but stay, 
Those are only a few old letters 

Which I mean to burn some day. 

I seem to live over those days, dear, 
As I read o'er each time-worn line ; 

And I take off my glasses to rest me 
For my old eyes, the writing's too fine. 

Ah those were the happy times, dear. 
When we whiled the hours away; 

And I knew naught of the sadness 
That is part of my life today. 

I have drifted along life's current. 

But that love is ever new ; 
I have my dreams and my memories, 

And of letters — just these few. 

'Tis most over and soon I'll be resting, 
But even now sorrows and pains. 

Have vanished, and in quieter wisdom. 
Only the true love remains. 



— 17 



Down in the valley there's naught but shadows 

And weary the roads and long; 
Up on the hilltops there's naught but sunshine, 

And the paths are filled with song. 

Down in the valley the wind sighs mournfully, 

Dull is the river and old; 
While on the hilltops the breeze laughs gayly, 

And fresh is the spring and cold. 

Death's in the valley, and sin, too, and shame. 
And winter, and dark the nights; 

Life's on the hilltops, and love, too, and joy, 
And God is there on the heights. 



18 



f uur ffinnf 



Will you love me, dear, when o'er me, 
Sorrow like a storm cloud waits? 

Will you guard me and sustain me, 
When its pent up fury breaks? 

Will you fold me close and tell me, 
It may rage and do its worst; 

You will cherish and protect me, 
As you promised to at first? 

Or is your's a love for fair days 
When the skies are bright and blue? 

And will trouble make you fearful, 
Make it hard, dear, to be true? 

May the fate that wove our garland 
Of the loveliest flowers of love. 

Weave with age and time a deeper 
Love to end in love above. 



19 



A ffitttb g>uitbram 

See that little dancing sunbeam, 
Gayly playing hide and seek; 

Thro' the trees and over bushes, 
Right into the room does peep. 

On the floor, up on the ceiling. 
Round the table, neath the chair, 

Makes our curly head laugh gleefully, 
Baby hands would hold it there. 



20 



ifflg Jatli^r 



He never talked the idle talk 
As other men are prone ; 

But I ne'er failed to understand 
His slightest change of tone. 

A sentence that most men would say, 

He'd tell in just a look; 
And more real meaning was in that, 

Than words in any book. 

It seemed to me he always spoke 
As did the flowers and trees; 

And ne'er was man in this wide world, 
More eloquent than these. 



21 — 



airitt Cone 

True love comes as the dawn of day 

And only is life then real; 
The soul aw'cikens, God is near, 

And a wondrous awe we feel. 

Tiny the links, but strong the bond, 
Not forged in a single day, 

But just formed from the little things, 
True lovers find on the way. 

A glance, a smile, such little things. 
And they don't mean much to some, 

But true love finds a message there, 
As flowers warmth from the sun. 



22- 



T^m 



Oh, Pan, come, come and lead me, 
Over hill and dale and stream ; 

Aly spirit on the wings of fancy 
Rest, and let it soar and dream. 

Let the past be all forgotten, 
A new world make for me ; 

Filled with music, birds and laughter, 
Filled with honey from the bee. 

Let me dance from morn to even, 
To the tune that thou wilt play ; 

Happy, fairy, elfin creature, 
Make me happy for a day. 



-23 



Qllf0 ^rfflritt 



A voice spoke to my soul today, 

A voice so sweet and low 
That I heeded not cloud or shadow dark, 

That flitted to and fro. 

It bade me live in the Present age 

And serve the great Today; 
Forgetting the Past and the Future years, 

It spoke and we obey. 

The hours and days are flying fast, 

And the Present is all our own ; 
The Future belongs to another's sway, 

And the Past to her grave has flown. 

Each day brings its joy and sorrow due, 

Each night as the sun sinks west 
Should find us resolved for the morrow's fight. 

To arise and to do our best. 



24- 



I longed for peace; I found but strife; 

I sought a rose ; I found a thorn ; 
So seemed my pathway all thro' life, 

Beset with trials since I was born. 

Amidst the strife, I blessings found ; 

And with the thorn an aching bliss. 
For love and joy with pain abound, 

And one who loves knows best of this. 



25 



Half the charm of people, 
Of those we love the best, 

Is hidden from our vision 
By their rush for gold unblest. 

Those we meet are weary. 

From their haste in crowded marts 
Their noblest selves obscured. 

By the passions in their hearts. 
• 
All their lives spell hurry, 

Filled with toil and feverish waste ; 
Oft their call comes very early, 

Before happiness they taste. 

Could they pause and tarry 
We might see their better side; 

Grasp their heart's true warmness, 
Closely e'er it faded and died. 



26 



The little rose-pink cloud boats 
Float on the gray and blue, 

As slowly moves the sunset, 
The western sky all thro'. 

The green of field and forest 
Is touched with rose and gold, 

And o'er my little garden 

Sweet peace her wings doth fold. 

The river lies all silver, 
And purple are the hills; 

And thus the wondrous sunset, 
The earth with splendor fills. 



27 



You cannot deem one who but knows, 
One-half of your soul a friend ; 

For all are prone to love the fair, 
But few the fault defend. 

As I tell my joy to my friend, 
I seem to rejoice the more ; 

As I tell my grief to my friend 
I then grieve less than before. 

But friends are few, life seems too short 

To bother, to understand; 
Time is fleeting and folks don't pause 

To clasp in friendship the hand. 



— 28- 



Il0tl|?r-2j0tt^ 



The beacon light of the coast house 

To sailors out at sea, 
Is never as bright as the guiding light 

Of my mother's love to me. 

Oh patient love that didst ever lead 

O'er rocks and shoals and sea, 
When I wandered away for wild, free play, 

Her mother-love called for me. 

I brought her some laughter thro shining tears, 

But ever her love was there ; 
Her faith in my worth, from my very birth, 

With her mother-love and care. 

But who can write of a mother, 

And tell of the soul within, 
Of the guard and the guide and the comfort 

That her mother-love has been. 



-29- 



Nn Sim? Ifnv S^ahmBB 

For sunny days there are field and stream, 
And the whole wide world to explore; 

For rainy days the fireside chair, 
And the books with the loved folk-lore. 

Then how could any one e'er be sad 
When there's so much to do and see? 

Hours for work, and hours for play, 
And all life long to happy be. 



— 30 



The sea, the sea, the old, old sea, 

The rollicking, roaring, ancient sea; 

With age in her depths, and youth on her crests, 

Gallant men at rest in her heaving breast. 

The sea, the sea, the calm, calm sea. 

The silver, shimmering, quiet sea; 

With sheen ever bright and foam so light, 

Made golden at sight by the Queen of the night. 

The sea, the sea, the pitiless sea , 

The murderous, merciless, cruel sea; 

That strikes the mast, where brave lads hold fast. 

Then Death it casts, on shore at last. 

The sea, the sea, the treacherous sea, 
The wondrous, wily, grasping sea ; 
No wonder it moans, nor strange it groans 
Under weight of bones in its ocean homes. 



31 



SInttgtttg 



I am lonely, Oh, how lonely! 

And my weary arms do ache 
With the emptiness and longing, 

To my heart your heart to take. 

Just to see the smile a-playing 
Round the eyes where love-lights lie 

Hear your voice my name a-calling, 
See your sweet face e'er I die. 

I am lonely. Oh, how lonely! 

Living, waiting just for this; 
Just to tell you how I love you. 

Have you answer with your kiss. 



— 32 



I long for the calm of the peaceful woods, 
Where the sunlight filters green and gold, 

Thro the trees with their interlacing boughs. 
And its warmth makes the buds to ope and fold. 

Where Httle vines put forth their hands with joy, 
And spread over rocks and mouldering log; 

In cloaks and wreaths of green, glossy leaves. 
That gleam thro the misty rain and fog. 

I seek the path of the snowberry sweet, 
The wake-robin, sage and violet blooms; 

I love each blossom and each tiny bud. 
They breathe forth love and dispel my glooms. 

I hear in the woods the sweetest tones. 
The note of the flute of the bright wood-thrush; 

The silver bells of the stately hermit. 

The warblers by hundreds that live in the brush. 

The ripple of laughter, the stream with its rills. 
The sighing wind thro the tall pine trees; 

The smell of a couch of odorous balsam, 
In my sweetest dreams are all of these. 



33 — 



A 2Ct00 

Oh God, how I've craved, how I've longed for this, 
Your arms to enfold and your lips to kiss; 
A kiss that draws my very soul through 
In one long, lingering sigh to you. 



34 



(§nv Sr^amB 

Oh the dreams we dreamed in the past love, 
Were dreams far too bright to stay; 

As our sunset dreams filled with splendor> 
And our twilight dreams in May. 

But the hour brought joys undreamed of, 

From Paradise to our love. 
Till e'en waking seemed to be dreaming. 

And life a gift from above. 



35 



April g>I|[0mfra 



There is a spot up high in Heaven 
Where trees and flowers grow, 

Round a lake of purest water, 
That clear and bright does flow. 

This place is for city workers, 
Who God's country ne'er did know; 

And there they bide and are happy, 
For God wills it be so. 

And now and then there comes an Angel, 

Who over the spot doth fly, 
The lake to drain and replenish, 

And I have wondered why. 

The stream from out the lake then floweth 
Right to the earth down from the sky; 

These April's dulcet showers. 
We greet them, you and I. 

And 'tis these drops that wake the flowers. 
The buds, yea and the hearts as well; 

These are the heavenly showers, 
That fall o'er wood and dell. 



— 36 



ail|0 &prtttJ3 

All round the spring the grass grows, green and dense, 
And when upon the field glows heat intense 
You'll always find a breath of cooler air. 
The summer thro' if you but wander there. 

In such a spot does Nature wait to touch 
With her own peace, the fevered heart of such; 
And keep alive in men that trust serene, 
That faith in God and life and things unseen. 



-37 



If your heart a love doth know, 

Tell her so ; 
Thro' 3^our mind do kind thoughts go, 

Whisper low. 

For the smile that's in your eye, 

Laughter pleads ; 
On your lips the song that lies, 

Voice but needs. 

Virtue lies in kindly speech, 

Give it birth; 
You can't know how deep its reach, 

Or its worth. 



38 



I love so the country in springtime, 
The smell of the woods and the earth; 

The colors and buds just appearing, 
And the joy of the birds at the birth. 

To wander at will thro' the meadow, 
To see the first blossoms awake ; 

To feel the warm breezes caressing. 
And see all the changes they make. 

To fly from the city and closeness, 
To where God's Own hand seems at work; 

This is my longing in springtime, 
'Tis there that my thoughts always lurk. 



39 — 



Autumn 

Down dipt the sunset clouds o'er all the woods, 
And lingered there awhile, and then didst fade, 

Leaving upon each tree a golden tint, 
And on each leaf a warm red blush was laid. 

A sparrow here, a golden robin there, 

And in the vales a sweet and gentle wind, 

A sober gladness falls o'er all around. 
And God death's message sends to all mankind. 



40 - 



aiI|F Wittier 



From weary morning unto weary night 
The noiseless snow hath fallen and hath lain, 

And chilly northern winds have blown all thro 
The rafters and have moaned as tho in pain. 

The barren oak with icicles is hung , 
And silence broods o'er all the lonely vales ; 

The river's voice is mute; hushed is all song, 
And winter's spirit lingers in the dales. 



41 



ul{|0 g>tr^attt S>nttg 

Oft I rise at early morning, 
When dawn's creeping up the way ; 

Just to feel the clean wind blowing, 
From the dawn, unto the day. 

And I wander thro' the meadow, 
Decked with wild rose and with green 

O'er a field of golden daisies. 
To a silvery singing stream. 

And I stand quite still and listen, 
To the message that it brings. 

To my wander-loving spirit, 
This strange little song it sings: 

"Rise up early, little maiden, 

Happy be! Happy be! 
Over mossy stone, joy laden. 

Follow me! Follow me! 

"On my mossy banks, this May, 

Bide-a-wee ! Bide-a-wee ! 
Then go singing on your way. 

Merrily ! Merrily !" 



42 



Starlit Nigljt 

There falls o'er all the great mystery 
Of the hidden unseen things; 

As the spirits hovered round us, 
And dim phantoms spread their wings. 

And our souls do strangely listen 
Overwhelmed with wonder dim, 

As we gaze upon the vastness 
Of the night the stars are in. 

Stars like eyes that are eternal; 

Light the face of wondrous night; 
And a quiet-like misty hushing 

Wraps the earth until the light. 



— 43 — 



The clouds hang low o'er sweltering Mother Earth, 
The grass is scorched, the leaves all lifeless sleep; 

And all the humid earth in waiting lies 
In silence and in pain, so strange and deep. 

And then o'er thirsting Nature bursts the clouds, 
To bring relief to grass and suffering trees; 

Then soothing moisture lends to field and vale, 
And under the blue, earth throbs and breathes. 



44 



My heart, my love, my life, thou art, 

The very soul of me ; 
Thou reignest over every part, 

I live or die for thee. 

To thee my heart is free 

And bound by holy vow ; 
Thy true love will I ever be, 

Until death deck my brow. 



-45- 



Shake them down, again, again! 

Cover me from head to toe; 
With the sweet, sweet orange blossoms, 

For I love, I love them so! 

See they're falling all around me, 
Oh, their perfume is so rare! 

Fleecy bursts of snowy whiteness. 
Have you ever seen as fair? 



— 46 



four lEyrs 



Thou hast eyes of that baffling protean gray, 

Which is never twice the same ; 
Eyes that no heart could but obey, 

When under their gaze it came. 

Gray sometimes, and dark and light, 

Like intershot silk in the sun; 
Then deep-sea azure clear and bright, 

In shades and colorings run. 

With a thousand guises they mask your soul, 
But at moments strange and rare, 

They are opened wide and seeking a goal. 
As tho' laying your deep soul bare. 

Eyes that can brood with a hopeless storm, 

As a dark and a leaden sky; 
Then snap and crackle like fire rudely torn 

From a whirling sword that is nigh. 

Eyes that grow chill as an arctic plain, 
Then warm and soften and all a-dance 

With wonderful love-lights and who can blame 
Me, dear, for loving their wondrous glance. 



47 



JfattlfkHa 



Will I pray for thee as blindly, 
When I know that all is lost? 

Will I think of thee as kindly, 
When I count the bitter cost? 

Yes, tho' faith in thee be broken, 
And thou leav'st me now in tears, 

I will keep from thee this token. 
These, the vows of golden years. 

You have made this thy decision, 
And I can but bow my head; 

Tho' I keep still here the vision, 
Of the dreams, lost, past and dead. 



48- 



It seems there is no word to say- 
But just this one, "Good-bye;" 

And now tho eyes with tears are wet, 
Youth will survive, not die. 

Time wills it so you should forget. 
For youth is youth and free; 

And man is man and prone to give. 
Where most return will be. 

But there was sweetness in it all, 

Tho oft we bitter knew; 
But never in your world of love, 

Will you find a heart as true. 

I gave you what was mine to give, 

And counted not the cost. 
Each thought and prayer and sacrifice, 

Nor deemed the gift as lost. 

You will forget, your heart is light, 
To heal the wound you'll try; 

And my heart? No, it cannot change, 
It loves too well, Good-bye. 



49 — 



The light of the world is out, 
My love has gone from me ; 

'Tis always winter and night, 
My sorrow is deep as the sea. 

The sky is still blue they say. 
And the flowers as gay and bright, 

The Spring brings its wealth of life, 
But tears have clouded my sight. 

When love from the heart has gone. 
The life of the soul doth flee ; 

And life and death are but one, 
'Till the dawn of Eternity. 



— 50- 



Waiting 

When the work of the day is done dear, 

And I sit in the twilight alone; 
When the hour seems dim and holy 

And the shadows play in my home. 

When the first evening star comes a-peeping, 

Thro the tiny clouds in the sky, 
The music I hear in the gloaming, 

Seems to come from the angels on high. 

And sometimes dear it is midnight, 

Still I sit by the dying fire; 
And hear only night sounds round me. 

Of whose magic I never tire. 

And too in the early morning, 
When the sun comes out of the east, 

And the dew on the grass is sparkling, 
And the birdies arise for their feast. 

And so dear, from dawn until dawn again. 

All thro my still, lonely way, 
I'm awaiting the sound of your footstep, 

Living life for that single day. 

That day when you find I'm waiting, 
That day when you come dear to claim 

For your own, what has always been yours dear, 
I alone, know you're not to blame. 



— 51 



If you knew but a part of how I'm yearning, 
To show 3-0U the wealth of love I bear, 

If you knew but the lessons that I'm learning, 
That 1 may grow stronger for grief or care. 

If you knew but the depth of my great affection, 
If your true eyes could pierce the deep sea, 

You might then have some slight, feeble conception, 
Of what your joys or cares mean to me. 

When ever I see the sun's golden Hght'ning, 
And the earth thrilled with music ever pure. 

When on the grass the dew ever bright'ning, 
I feel new life and strength to endure. 



— 52- 



^nttmtH 



Farewell ! 



Not for just today, but forever, 
All bonds, all golden links we sever. 



Depart 



God bless you and watch o'er your way, 
Your nights be calm and bright your day. 



Forget ! 



Ah ! yes I bid you to forget. 
Lest memory cause you to regret. 



Believe ! 



God has a new work planned for you. 
Try to be faithful, still more, true. 



53 



It is not when the day is new dear, 

At noon, or in silent night ; 
But when sunset comes with its quiet, 

And peaceful, grey twilight. 

This hour seems holy, and yours dear, 

The awe of a wondrous love, 
This love that is yours, that is mine dear, 

Seems there, in the skies above. 

What warmth and what beauty and splendor 
What sweetness, quiet and peace, 

I find in the heart of a sunset, 
When the din of day doth cease. 

So in the shelter of your loved arms. 
Will I find my sunset dreams, 

Away from the world, its fears and tears, 
Living joys and true home scenes. 



54 



Think you, tho you have faithless been, 

Her heart was not as true, 
As when you pleaded and she gave 

Her heart and her Hfe to you? 

You bade her keep love's altar fire 

Aglow and it ne'er died ; 
But human pride and flatt'ring tongues 

Drew you and love far from her side. 

You could not know a love like hers, 
You would have bruised and even torn 

A tender soul and loving heart, 
And left her then forlorn. 

She died today — ^you never knew, 
Or even cared, if truth were told; 

Her faith in you was there thro time, 
Her love, it ne'er grew cold. 

I've wondered why God made such men 

As you, and let them live; 
Seeing them kill hearts such as hers, 

That need'st such love forgive. 



-55- 



Wl|?n 



How seldom when the snn is bright, 
Do we think of Him who made it so? 

How seldom when the world is right, 
To His feet do we thankfully go? 

But when the storm clouds o'er us break. 
When sorrow and the night do fall, 

We plead, "Oh Lord, do not forsake;" 
We beg Him hearken to our call. 



56 



Does it seem strange to thee that I know tears, 
When others see no cause for sorrow there ? 

Be patient dear, and try to understand 
This yearning that some one for me should care. 

A sage, tho you might call him fool, once said, 
Looking with wise, sad eyes into my heart, 

"When you were born, God dropped a flower there. 
Thou know*' St a poet, child, must dwell apart. 

"You weep with very joy when life is glad, 
And when God takes a soul to Him, you smile ; 

The world will never know your heart, your soul, 
But God will claim the flow'r after awhile." 



57 — 



four If^aufttlg JFatli^r 

Your Heavenly Father hears you, my child, 
So trust, do not tremble or sigh; 

He never forgets and never forsakes, 
A soul pleading help from on high. 

So lift up your eyes and smile, my child, 
And trusting in Him, know no fears; 

He sees and He knows, you need not tell, 
Of your falls, your hopes and your tears. 

Remember He loves you, you're His child, 
And altho your faults be as night, 

He'll not reject, if your sorrow's deep. 
And your heart's set on doing right. 



— 58 



I had prayed to God for guidance 

To a better, useful life; 
And I longed for inspiration, 

To guide me thro' the strife. 

Can you guess, dear, whom he sent me, 
For a guide and helpmate too? 

Can you realize what a God-gift, 
What a sunshine then are you? 

I could climb to heights surpassing, 
And ne'er notice passing time. 

Could I feel the strengthening pressure 
Of that little hand in mine. 

So I know thro you of His favors. 
How He watcheth o'er my way; 

For He sent me you, my blessing, 
Mine forever and a day. 



-59- 



miu MuBttv 



Along my dim roadway of life, 
Love's built many a shrine of pain; 

And Grief has crushed my hopes to earth, 
Fair Joy beat her wings in vain. 

As the Past spreads out before me, 
And I bright in the Present stand; 

The joy and the pain seem slight to me. 
And Hope rules o'er my land. 

Oh, what shall I see in the Future, 
As I pause to gaze on Today? 

Vain were my planning and toiling, 
If my Master guide not my way. 



60 



We see God's tenderness in all about, 
His Mercy and His Love we cannot doubt; 
Know thou the greatest of His gifts to thee, 
He gave His Son sweet flov/er of purity. 

He gives thee grace and blessings, day by day, 
He knows thy needs and hopes and bids thee lay 
Thy cares and sorows, trusting near His Heart, 
And He'll watch o'er thy life where e'er thou art. 



— 61 - 



As a sheep in the care of a shepherd, 
Do I place my trust in mj^ Guide; 

For my feet cannot falter or stumble, 
He lighteth the way by my side. 

Tho the way may be dark and forshadowed, 

I abandon myself to His care; 
Knowing His path leads to perfection, 

To joy and to peace that are rare. 

And my heart does not falter or e'en question. 
As my God leads me so will I go; 

Yielding interest, desires and affection, 
Knowing His heart would have it so. 



— 62 — 



So weary, wilful and sad, 
Do I come, dear Lord, to thee; 

To take me to Thy Heart, 
Hold me close as close can be. 

I'm sorry, dear Heart, for it all, 
Oh 1 how could I be so weak? 

I e'en forgot You were near, 
And never Your grace did seek. 

I know Thy Sacred Heart will heed, 
And bid me be strong and brave ; 

To rest secure in Thy arms. 
And trust. You'll heal and save. 



63 — 



Crr^ i|0mn 



Tied are His hands with the coarsest rope, 
His sacred body bruised and torn; 

There before Pilate covered, He stands, 
With mantle a soldier has worn. 

Crowned is His head with the crown of thorns, 
And blood o'er His forehead and face 

Is flowing, in large, thick drops so red, 
His heart-blood for the human race. 

And His eyes they pierce my very heart. 
And the soul of me do they read; 

So full of compassion, sorrow, pain, 
And for loving hearts do they plead. 

They seem to tell me, "I died for you. 
For your sins, and for you alone. 

Heavy the cross and weary the way, 
That I for your sins might atone." 



— 64 — 



IFiirg^tttng 



So you think that I'm forgetting 
All our happy, golden dreams ; 

And you say that I'm regretting, 
My true heart-gift, it seems. 

Where I am the birds are singing, 
And their notes are joyous too ; 

When I hear their full tones ringing, 
All my thoughts, dear, are of you. 

In the west the sun is sinking, 

Rosy hues and palest blue; 
Do you know that I am thinking, 

Of our future, dear, and you? 

When the moonbeams too are shining 
On the Lake and dancing near ; 

Their bright silver streams are lining, 
All our future dark clouds dear. 

No, dear, vows were made for keeping. 
And this time spent thus apart, 

Will keep love as true, but sleeping. 
To awaken, heart to heart. 



65 



Oh, the dreams we dream, the plighted vows. 
We think Old Father Time can ne'er erase; 

We clasp the hands, we love arouse, 
We feel no future can their touch efface. 

Can it be the gladness and the bliss, 
That now seems deep and true we will forget? 

Can it be the love and parting kiss. 

Will fare the same e'er yonder sun has set, 

Yea, sorrow and joy we shall all alike forget, 
And only when we're mayhap dreaming so. 

And pondering over life's trials we have met, 
We'll know how rare our dreams were long ago. 



66 



I stopped once on the road in sunny France, 
To gaze upon a group of children there; 

Begrimed with dirt, bold-eyed, rag-clad were all, 
And thorough imps, yet angel locks did wear. 

An unkempt little crew, but now I know. 
Their days were filled with happiness all through, 

They felt, they lived, while I but stood and gazed, 
I pitied then but learned a lesson new. 

What if the body be but clothed in rags, 
If all the heart's a-song with joy and love ; 

Tf innocence and truth hold fullest sway. 
Then life is filled with sunshine from above. 



— 67 



E\}B Wnnt f atl| 



I take the worn path cross the verdant field, 
Begirt with goldenrod and autumn blooms; 

The scene is full of charm and sweet repose, 
The charm of old familiar things and tunes. 

'Tis Nature and her heart alone that holds, 
The power to waken memories long dead ; 

The scent of flower, the glow of sunset sky, 
The wind, and echo of a soft word said. 

Each spot is touched with memories old and true, 
So oft have I thus wandered o'er this way ; 

And always did return refreshed anew. 
With new hopes for mayhap a darker day. 



— 68 — 



My Friend, 'tis strange I call you thus! 

That of this vastness, you and I 
Should meet, and still more wondrous trust, 

And know but truth, and hate a lie. 

In this bright world our steps were stayed, 
That so our paths might smoothly cross; 

And still no break, no edges frayed, 
We've given much, nor felt the loss. 

If time, my Friend, should change our ways, 
Our paths diverge, and closed our book. 

May friends be near and sweet thy days, 
But stay thy steps and backward look. 



69 — 



A ^nvi 

Hark to the bugle's stirring blast! 
Calling you boys, from first to last; 
Calling to glory and to fame, 
Where Death his right o'er thee may claim. 

Hearest the thunder of the fray! 
See'st thy comrades round thee lay; 
What if thou perish on the plain. 
Thy name be numbered with the slain ! 

Poets shall sing and History tell, 
The story of how thou fought'st and fell; 
Here 'midst the ashes of the brave. 
We'll find for you a fitting grave. 



70 



01^0 ffitttk WmB 

Mothers keep your wee ones near you, 
Know their little aches and pains ; 

Heed their little thoughts and feelings, 
Join their frolics, play their games. 

Let them feel you understand them, 
Sympathize, rejoice and know ; 

Have them tell their little secrets 
At your knee, and interest show. 

So your boy when manhood reaching, 
New ideas and ideals finds, • 

Need of strength and wisest counsel, 
Will send him to his "Mother mine." 

So your girl, when growing older, 
Mind tales, heart tales, all will tell ; 

Knowing that your heart-door's open. 
To rejoice or storms to quell. 

It will pay, this understanding. 
Many a tear and heart-ache save ; 

Keep a ready ear and willing, 
A road to your heart to pave; 



— 71 — 



Ir^amlaub 



I've the sweetest picture here, 
Hanging on the nearest wall; 

And it seems to bring me cheer, 
Tho it's very, very small. 

I just love to sit and watch it, 
Tiny tots to dreamland bound; 

Up a hill that's dimly moonlit. 
Treading softly, ne'er a sound. 

At the top a castle's dimly, 

To be seen by sleepy eyes ; 
And they're creeping up so primly, 

Two by two, they're of a size. 

Here a boy in cute pajamas. 
There a girl in nighty dressed; 

All have left their dear tired mamas, 
Who imagined they'd put them to rest. 

Little chubby feet are straying, 
Thro the poppy fields to where 

Sweetest music soft is playing, 
With the fairies dancing there. 

Over hill and dale, they're straying, 
While we grown folks only sleep; 

And all sorts of games they're playing. 
And we dare not even peep. 



— 72 — 



Black were the clouds with silvery heads, 
The thunder and lightning played ; 

Earth was breathless awaiting the storm, 
And darkness o'er all was laid. 

All was silence and hidden the birds. 
But perched on the highest tree, 

And warbling away, a robin sat. 
Trilling his message to me. 

He sang his liveliest, sweetest song, 
As the storm came driving near, 

And the wind swept thro and swayed the tree. 
But the robin knew not fear. 

Dear little bird with your merry song. 
Your message came right to me; 

Tho skies be dark with the coming storm, 
Filled with song my heart shall be. 



— 73 — 



Make of this child a man, Oh world! 

In the real true sense of the term ; 
Deal out his portion of right and wrong, 

With a kindly hand, yet firm. 

Show him the rocks, and show the reefs, 
Show him the harbor where safety lies ; 

Show him the way and give him a guide, 
To love and life under bluest skies. 

Show him the tears, and show him Hfe's smiles, 

Let him be gay and mayhap sad ; 
Sometimes he'll bless and sometimes he'll curse, 

But mostly he'll live and be glad. 



— 74 



Oh! they're just like little people, 
Some are happy, bright and gay ; 

Some have golden, laughing faces, 
Make you smile all thro the day. 

Some have mourning hearts of purple, 
Other sad, sad eyes of brown; 

They are children of the sunset, 
From the sky did tumble down. 



— 75 



I pondered long, why such as thee, 
Could grow to mean so much to me; 
Why ought I thought or did, or said, 
Seemed prompted by the way you've lead. 

When e'er a wish comes to my mind, 
I think of thee and try to find, 
If from your heart you'd wish it too, 
Before that wish I'd have come true. 

And now at last I seem to find, 
Where in the past I have been blind; 
You're sent from God to strengthen me. 
To comfort, and my Friend to be. 



— 76 



I know but fame and deepest glory, 
I've been honored both by prince and man 

I've sown the seed and reaped the harvest, 
I've traveled over sea and land. 

I've known the joy of purest friendship, 
Felt love's bliss, perhaps a day; 

Had each whim and foolish fancy 
Gratified, and been most gay. 

But I'd give it all, yea all, dear, 
Just to hear the gay, sweet voice. 

Of a little child to call from near, 
"Dearest Mother" — that's my choice. 

There is no fame, there is no glory, 

Like to this, a Mother's bliss; 
All the wealth of love in a lifetime, 

Holds no joy that can rival this. 



— 77 



Take first that little task, 
Nearest thy hand ; 

Do it with thoroughness, 
Nobly and grand. 

Take then thy second task, 

Do it thy best; 
Heed not its lowliness, 

That is the test. 

So go from day to day, 
Storing up treasure, 

Such as thy human mind. 
Scarcely can measure. 



— 78- 



5II|^ (Bxtm S00m 

If you're tired or sad or weary 

I will take you far away, 
To a spot I call my green room, 

And you'll come back feeling gay. 

It is carpeted with velvet, 

Timothy and clover, moss, 
And the walls are rich green arches, 

Where the breezes gay leaves toss. 

Overhead's a bit of blue sky, 
Or a gold-tipt cloud sails by; 

Drowsy bees are there a-drumming, 
In and out the bright birds fly. 

There are many things you'll find there, 
In my little room of green; 

But the best of all is sweet Peace, 
Of my bower she is the Queen. 



— 79 — 



3Fattrg 

As in a trance I have followed her, 

O'er barriers woven by fate; 
Over the mountains, rough and rugged, 

Yea have followed, early and late. 

Mngering awhile in a garden place, 
Then bounding away o'er the lanes ; 

Led on, deceived by the elfin sprite, 
And naught but a laugh for my pains. 

Oh Fancy, you're wondrous young and wise, 
And coy sometimes, and sweet and mild; 

You've led men many a merry chase, 
And the monk from his prayers beguiled. 



— 80 — 



Erjo 



Send him to me who says, 

"There is no God!" 
He should be made to bend the knee, 

And fear the rod. 



Such things as this I've heard, 

"If God there be, 
Why does He this or that permit, 

I fail to see?" 

How darest judge ! Thou fool ! 

Power such as His? 
How long think you will be. 

Your life as 'tis? 

God made this world a Paradise, 

For man a home; 
What caused the woe, the bitterness, 

Sin, sin alone. 

God made all creatures fair, 

He wished them so ; 
But hate, disease and death, 

From sin do grow. 

Look to the bright things round. 

They are God's works; 
The devil makes the dark, 

No chance he shirks. 

The soul that's steeped in crime. 

When death is near, 
Cries out, "There is no God !" 

To hide his fear. 



— 81 — 



'Tis better to yearn and to lose, 
Than to know the real content; 

Better to see the golden mist 
Aglow, but with shadows rent. 

Better to write and plan altho 
The sermon never be preached; 

Better to know a great desire, 
Tho the height be never reached. 



82 



Don't plead that thy task is lowly, 

That wasted is all the day, 
That sees not some work finished, 

At thy Master's feet to lay. 

Take the tasks that each day brings thee, 

And do them thy very best, 
Tho they seem but merest trifles. 

Unto God then leave the rest. 



83 — 



MmmvltB 



How my thoughts do love to linger, 
In the dear old fashioned lanes ; 

Where I lived my happy childhood, 
'Midst the sunshine and the rains. 



Well I knew each shady maple, 
And I had a name for each ; 

And I knew where in the orchard, 
Grew the richest pear and peach. 

Oh, the happiness that lingered, 
In the shadows and the light! 

And the dreams and tender fancies, 
That I knew, both day and niglit. 

And the cottage off the roadway. 
Where the rose and ivy twined ; 

And the garden, wild with flowers, 
Birds, and bees the hummin' kind. 

And the doorway framed with roses, 
Where, when purple twilight came 

Just a-watchin* stood my Mother, 
Like a picture in a frame. 

And I hear her softly calling, 
Now, tho many years have past; 

But I know I'll always see her, 
In that twilight to the last. 



84 



SI|? (&mtU Voxtt 



List thou to the song of the lark, 

How beautiful is its tone ! 
So should be heard thy gentlest voice, 

To all the loved folk at home. 

Soft is its note to the stranger, 
Winning and sweet to the guest; 

But let the home folk hear it too, 
Your own, apart from the rest. 



85 



'Twas night and weary nature sank to rest, 

And o'er the Valley, Peace, her wings did fold; 

But I, in vain my spirit sought repose, 
My soul was heavy and my heart was old. 

And I arose and wandered in the night. 
O'er valley, stream and rugged mountain way ; 

And sought to gleam some message from the quiet. 
But when did silent Night a word e'er say? 

My spirit was but troubled all the more. 
With questions as to Why and How and Where, 

And only this weird stillness for reply. 
That seems as heavy as the load I bear. 

E'en the light the moon doth shed is cold, 
And Heaven is still, it heareth not my call ; 

The world seems dead and I a spirit bound ; 
Is there no gentle Master-Hand O'er all? 

I shall return unto my house and pray, 
That with the dawn my spirit shall awake. 

My heart grow young with sunshine, ever warm, 
And may these Hell-sent spirits me forsake. 



86 — 



Into my sweet rose garden, 
I wandered when love was new ; 

And the pure white roses held me, 
They seemed an emblem of you. 

A slip from the purest and whitest, 
I took and planted alone; 

And day after day I nursed it. 
And loved and garnished its home. 

At early morn I would come there, 
At noon-time, at even, at night, 

And whisper my dearest heart secrets, 
To its heart as a lover might. 

One morn when I entered my garden. 
Besprinkled with Heaven's dew, 

A power unseen seemed to lead me, 
To my rose bush and to you. 

A single rose I found there, 
That by love alone I'd fed; 

In blossom, with heart the whitest. 
While the petals were rosy red. 



And so to your heart, my lady, 
A message of love I'd breathe; 

And with garlands of my heart roses, 
The fairest of heads I'd wreathe. 



87 



Down in the Valley of Trouble, 
He wandered, forgotten, alone ; 

Dark and cheerless the way, and cold. 
All was silence save for his moan. 

Defeat and failure too were there, 
His guilt, his shame and secret sin ; 

He ne'er saw light to guide him through. 
Nor for victory a chance to win. 

One day he prayed in the Valley, 
To God, for forgiveness and light, 

To battle with guilt and failure. 
And for strength to win in the fight. 

He confessed his sin with sorrow, 
And resolved to live life anew; 

God showed him then the door of Hope, 
And a bright light was shining through. 



88 



There's only one way to be happy, 
And that's by just doing right; 

You'll find it a difficult problem, 
To keep your head in the fight. 

Just keep your eye open for brightness, 
And most things you see will be bright ; 

Keep your heart ever open to kindness. 
Nor scorn to look down from your height. 

Turn every day's sorrows to blessings. 

By offering to Him above; 
And daily learn to be happy, 

And loved to freely give love. 



— 89 



M}i 3Iatru (^tsttta 



Hast thou ever seen a grotto, 
The work of Nature's hand; 

That fairies and wood nymphs inhabit 
And deem it their own land? 

Thro the bright and gUmmering foUage, 
Save in spots of dense, dark shade. 

Can be seen bkie sky o'er stretching, 
Making a fairy glade. 

From the rocks that wall the Grotto, 
Clearest springs of water flow, 

Down the rocks and o'er the mosses, 
Singing sweet songs soft and low. 

Mossy banks make softest couches. 

Gentle breezes stir the air; 
Birds are trilling gayest music. 

And no sadness enters there. 



Straying thro o cooling forest. 
To this fairy spot I came;_ 

And entranced I lay a-dreaming. 
Free from sorrow and all pain. 

Dainty fairies danced around me. 
Softly sang and sweetly played 

On their wands some flute-like music, 
Causing all dull care to fade. 

I have often strived to reach there, 
Since that day so long ago; 

For my heart was ne'er so happy, 
And will ne'er be here below. 



90 — 



(Sari^tt at 3Fattrg 

Into a garden of wondrous fancy, 

My love and I did stray, 
And o'er a rosebud pathway, 

We wandered day by day. 

Each rose with dewdrops sparkling, 
From sleep awoke each morn ; 

And noon-time saw such splendor. 
The colors seemed rainbow torn. 

Then sunset came with its glory, 
And the gaily singing streams 

A lullaby sang to the roses, 
Bringing happy, golden dreams. 

Then evening came with her star-field, 
And lighted the milky way; 

While the moon-man from afar, 
Smiled, and the smile seemed gzy. 

Then slowly came silent night. 
And my garden seemed at rest. 

With a peace unknown to earth. 
As a soul of sin confessed. 

And I awoke in the morning. 

To find it all a dream; 
And my garden of sweetest fancy, 

Was a myth from out the stream. 



91 — 



JUmttbBlitp 



You came to me in days past, 

When trust in God and man was gone : 
You brought your heart to comfort, 

Bade mc live and still hope on. 

You brought your heart to comfort, 
And a brave, good heart it's been; 

So patient with my faihngs, 
And compassionate with sin. 

You did take the sin and virtue, 
Mercy, love, and them combine, 

And did form from these the truest, 
Kind of friendship, yours and mine. 



92 



I^itmatt ffitertg 

We speak of War, of War for Liberty, 
We send our sons to fight, with hope sublime ; 

We crave for freedom of the mind and heart, 
For you, for me, forever thro all time. 

Human Liberty ! Great God where art Thou nov»^ ! 

Do you look down from your great throne above, 
On this, Thy v.orld, created, made by Thee, 

Where is Thy mercy, Thy compassion, love. 

But stay. Oh ! stay Thy hand lest it hold worse, 
Thy punishment. Thy vengence for mankind ; 

For him for Vvdiom Thou didst make Paradise, 
Has once more spurned the hand the nail hath lined. 

Oh God of Heaven, hear our anxious prayer! 

The prayer of widows, wives and Mothers old ; 
Crush Thou the demon that didst make War Hell, 

And over earth Thy hands in blessing hold. 



93 



How we grumble and how we fret, 
'Bout the work we have to do ; 

How we worry and sigh and wish, 
We were of the weahhy few. 

But God was kind when He made work, 
For leisure's the strong man's foe; 

And He was wise, He knew man's need, 
Tho man seldom sees it so. 



— 94 



Into thy heart's dark corner, 
Where thy grief holds fullest sway 

A tiny light is burning, 
Which yearns to rival day. 

Day after day you're grieving. 

Still you know that light does glow, 

Seize it quickly e'er it smother, 
And dull grief drag you below. 

Lock close your grief within you, 
Pray for courage to endure; 

Take heart, be brave, and hope, 
Thy future to secure. 



95 



SrramB 

I'm just a wee dreamer of dreams dear, 

And I live in a bright golden land, 
Where the rose and the sunbeam are comrades. 

Little children go hand in hand. 

The bluest of skies are above me, 
And the warm sun diffuses its Hght; 

.The wee twinkling stars were ne'ei* brighter, 
While the moon man smiles down at night. 

T Acre's a cottage of snowy whiteness, 

With tiny green shutters to match ; 
A home that is more than inviting, 

And the door's always on the latch. 

There's a garden of old fashioned flowers, 
Wondrous oak trees and others too; 

A turnstile — and there is a well, dear, 
And singing streams more than a few. 

This land and this home are ours, dear, 
And such treasures await us there! 

If aught should shatter my dreams dear, 
'Twould be more than I could bear. 

Can it be that a weaver of dreams too, 

Will learn of the sorrows of love? 
Why this shattered dream would bring heartaches 

That could only be healed from above. 



96 



(Uliartta 



Youth kiielt at Heaven's shrine to plead, 
And this was Heaven's word, "Youth heed, 
Know Charity, Faith and Hope, these three. 
And greatest of them all is Charity. 

Unto all men some Charity is due. 
As God gives freely sunshine unto you; 
For to our clouded eye what seems a sin, 
In God's true sight may be no flaw within. 

Be slow to censure, criticise of blame, 
And humble be, tho world renowned your fame ; 
Love thou thy brother as thyself, and do, 
Unto him as you would have him unto you. 



— 97 



Lift up your head, my roses, 

Nor hide your beauty so; 
I know of your hidden message, 

Tho you murmured it, soft and low. 

I know of the love you're bearing, 
In your pretty petal-wrapt hearts ; 

You're breathing forth scented kisses, 
And pleading with innocent arts. 

One little bud's near to bursting, 
So full 'tis of Trust and Truth; 

While the bud of Hope is full blown. 
For 'twas always so with youth. 

My roses, you're drooping and fading, 
But your memory will ever live ; 

And for all the love you're bringing, 
A hundred fold will I give. 



— 98 — 



Mlmh Ifnme 



Build me a tent on an Island, 

Where the stillness of Heaven abounds; 
Make me a home in the wildwood, 

Alone, save for forest sounds. 

There let me live, Ah! yea, live. 
Near the water, the trees and the birds; 

The sun and the rain and the Heavens, 

And the singing leaf's, "Song v^ithout words." 

There let me breathe, let me feel. 
What a child of Nature should know ; 

The warmth and the love of the Summer, 
The joy of the cold Winter's snow. 

The morning, the glorious sunrise, 
The noon, and the v/arm sun's rays; 

The silencing awe of the sunset. 
For countless, countless days. 

Then evening, and its tiny lone star. 

Then night, and I in my tent; 
Thro the open flap coming breezes. 

That are truly Heaven sent. 

From my couch I see the moonlight. 
Stretch a path from the very sky, 

O'er tree and dancing water. 
Into shadows where I lie. 



Then lulled by gentle breezes. 
And the wash of water near, 

My spirit soon is drifting. 
And I know not any fear. 



99 



I wonder what's the cause of this queer feeling, 
This feeling of depression o'er me stealing? 
It seems to take from life the very best, 
And rob it of its happiness and jest. 

I guess my eyes have on their bluest glasses, 
I cannot see the rainbow as it passes; 
My mind upon my little cares so bent, 
I cannot see the happiness God's sent. 



— 100 



To take our deepest thoughts and hopes, 
And gather into one great plan ; 

To strive, to reach, for one grand end, 
Is purpose, and the strength of man. 

The mind when at its very best. 
In noblest thoughts and lofty trends, 

Has purpose for its highest aim, 
And tovi^ard a future bends. 

To have in life one great desire, 
To fight and work with heart and hand, 

To sacrifice our wills and aims, 
For a noble purpose — is thus grand. 



— 101 — 



As I lie in my swinging hammock, 
And gaze at the bright blue sky, 

I'm glad I'm alive and knowing, 
Things are really not all awry. 

There's a gay little throat in the lattice, 
Which sends forth such musical sounds ; 

It lightens my heart for my trials, 
As I go on my daily rounds. 

There's a bright little dancing sunbeam, 
That here on mj'^ pathway lies; 

To get to the darkest of corners. 
Oh ! very hard he tries. 

It is just that bright little sunbeam, 
It is just that gay little bird, 

That set my heart a-singing, 

Such joy-notes were never heard. 



— 102 



&0«B m Eartlj 

Oh ! sons of the wronged, of the tortured Slav, 
Of the cursed Jew, and the trodden Pole; 

Our hearts for you ache as we see your plight, 
So our sons we send to free you from goal. 

We would that our kinsmen should e'er walk free, 
That their children should live and love in peace; 

That reason may rule where force has sw'ayed, 
And life be sweet while God holds the lease. 

We'll fight the wrong, and We'll win the fight. 
For untainted honor, for peace and for life ; 

We're peaceful by nature but once in the field, 
God pity the demon, the cause of the the strife. 



103 



BuvkxxtBB mxh iCtgl|t 

I grew weary of living and waiting, 
For the end that no man knows; 

Giving free vent to feelings and hating, 
Life, as changing as wind that blows. 

But I've changed now, and glad that I'm living, 
In a world that's so joyous and bright ; 

For God with His heart in the giving, 
Gives strength if we try to do right. 

Each day is a clean page before us, 
Each night should find it as fair; 

And if we place in His heart our trust, 
There will be no blemish there. 

The life after death is so certain, 
So why greet the world with a frown? 

When life's out and dropping the curtain, 
May angles smile as it goes down. 



— 104 — 



Wilt MtiBttv UtolintBt 

In the night I heard his music, 
In the night and all night thro ; 

While the moon was in her glory, 
Radiant and of golden hue. 

'Twas a life tale he unfolded, 
From its dawn until the dark; 

Happy Childhood, ripened manhood, 
Some strains joyous as the lark. 

In the night I lay there listening. 
And my pulse would quicken oft. 

When some happy notes were ringing, 
Or would thrill at love notes soft. 

Then came sighing and deep sorrow. 
And my eyes were filled with tears ; 

And I wondered if all creatures, 
Knew such sadness with their years. 

'Midst a plaintive note of sorrow, 
That I feared would always last; 

Came a cry-like break, then silence. 
And the tale was of the past. 



105 



When someone hurts our tend'rest feelings, 
Tramples on what we hold dear, 

Makes a secret thought a target 
For their jest, and at it sneer. 

When the friend we deem the truest, 
Foe becomes and traitor proves. 

Such a heartache in a lifetime. 
Once, and only once, one knows. 

If with open heart and truthful, 
You can turn to him and say, 

"I forgive the wrong you've done me, 
Freely, wholly; go your way." 

God will mark this down a credit, 

And remember when you sin. 
You forgave your erring brother, 

And will act, as you to him. 



106 — 



fatt^nr^ 



To be patient seems but a trifle 
To one who is seldom tried; 

But a patient hear^ is a blessing, 
'Midst chaos and strife to abide. 



To be silent v;hcn it means an effort, 
And calm when your head's in a whirl ; 

To smile when a frown is expected, 
All this to your crown adds a pearl. 

To meet the day's troubles with courage, 
Surrending your will to His heart; 

Placing your trust in His guidance, 
From the world's stormy trials apart. 



So pray then that you may be patient 
Thro life with its on-coming days; 

And when blessings untold are showered, 
You'll know that the sacrifice pays. 



107 



Aug g>0lMfr 



An old arm chair, a table low, 
An open book, a pipe filled well; 

Unanswered mail, a magazine, 
A paper lying where it fell. 

An old toy gun, a sword and belt, 
Tin soldiers and a bat and ball; 

Just memories of a Christmas morn, 
He woke us with a bugle call. 

A bookcase, with but half closed door, 
A comfy couch with pillows tossed ; 

Walls pictured with his pals and such, 
And one of a loved dog he'd lost. 

A violin in open case, 

A sheet of music on a chair; 
A bit of verse but half complete, 

As iho a new thought entered there. 

A room untouched, unchanged, just as 
He left it when he went away, 

And so when he returns 'twill seem. 
As tho 'twas only yesterday. 

He'll close the book and light the pipe, 
Complete the verse and music play; 

A bad dream seems his part in War, 
Bright morn has come and Freedom's day. 



108 



When some wrong deed is done, some grievous sin, 
Metinks I can just see the devils dance; 

And laugh to see the state that soul is in, 
And more and more than ever do they prance. 

I also seem to see that mournful face, 
I seem to feel the grief that swap's that Heart ; 

When Our Dear Lord finds man a creature base. 
Who stoops to sin and sees no better part. 

But when that soul returns and craves for grace, 
I seem to see those imps glide out of sight ; 

Then that soul prays to Him who in that place, 
Suffered and sweat that He might see this light. 

When God in all His loving mercy bends, 
And raises up that stricken soul, and frees 

From slightest sin; then grace He lends, 
I see the highest angels smile and bend their knees. 



— 109 — 



Sark iaya 



All weather is pleasant, 
When the heart is at rest; 

No dark days are dreary, 
When Love's at its best. 

All showers are Gk)d-gifts, 
When nature's in need; 

No storm clouds are gloomy, 
Light hearts never heed. 

No storms make one's life hard, 

Nor winter, nor fall; 
'Tis the loss and the sorrow. 

And weariness, all. 

These give life its sadness, 
Dark days their gloom; 

Give working its sordidness. 
Ending life soon. 



— no 



The kingdom of fear lies within us, 
And has ridicule oft for its king; 

How sad is the life of a subject, 
As a bird with a shattered wing. 

The life of a man to be honest, 
Means certain risks to be met; 

And people will judge every action, 
Tho good or bad, then why fret? 

The result of the fear that we harbor, 
Is seldom as bad as we thought; 

And the time and the energy wasted, 
Means experience dearly bought. 

If our only thought was the fear of 
Committing a cowardly deed, 

All lower fears and their terrors, 
Our souls would never heed. 

All courageous acts and their endings. 
Depend on the wealth of the heart ; 

And fear and its natural sequence. 
In such must ne'er play a part. 



— Ill 



Uii^t g>tttit0r 



Lord I have sinned, and here I stand, 

With head bowed down with shame; 
And now I kneel, with pleading hands 

Outstretched, and breathe Thy name. 
A load, the weight of which you know 

Seems bearing me unto the very ground; 
Forgive, dear Lord, my sin and aid, 

Until some way, some light I've found. 
I seem to see Thy sad and pitying ej^es, 

So filled with sorrow for my sins so base ; 
So hurt that I should turn Thee from my heart, 

And nurse therein a viper with such grace. 
The tempter laid his snare so well. 

That soon my path and Thine were far apart ; 
And I was in his clutches e'er I knew, 

Far from Thy peace and yea. Thy heart. 
And now I kneel and pray for grace. 

And strength to go and never sin again; 
With patience so to bear my cross, 

Until you call me from this life and pain. 



112 



My Lady's eyes are often sad, 
E'en when a smile is on her lips ; 

That I do wish I might have had, 
A sight of their wondrous depths. 

She heeds so little passing near, 
Her thoughts seem miles away; 

And oft do I surprise a tear, 
When she scarce knows it's there. 

And too I wonder is it deep, 

She's drank the cup of human life; 

And why so silent does she keep, 
When others speak of heart and love. 

And when I came unto her knee. 
To tell her of my love, my Mate; 

She held me off, and gazed at me, 
Then drew me close and softly cried. 

She bade me tell her all, yes all, 
Our dreams, our hopes, our very fears ; 

And then I heard her softly call, 
"Mate, Dearest Mate," then sob. 

I would that I might only know, 
My Lady's sad and secret heart, 

Why her sweet face saddens so, 

The Heaven's smile doth play its part. 



— 113 — 



I live o'er again every moment 
Of our friendship, or was it more? 

And I fear not the darkest pathway, 
The future may have in store. 

I have climbed such a rugged pathway, 
Thro darkness and mists and pain ; 

But there lying fair in the distance, 
My way is made smooth again. 

Within my heart is your image 
Clothed in the beauteous guise 

Of love, and my heart's affection. 
Is mirrored in my eyes. 

Is it strange that I long for the deepest 
Sleep that will carry me by, 

All heartaches, sufferings and sorrows, 
To you in the Eastern sky? 



— 114 



S1]F 3h\txxvt 

The dim and distant future, 

Holds naught that's bright for me 

And life don't seem worth living, 
And my soul can ne'er be free. 

A thousand fetters bind it, 
To this cruel and sordid world, 

And step by step I'm going, 
To the maelstrom ever hurled. 

I've drained the cup of life. 
Yea e'en to the bitter dregs; 

Oh God, do hear this creature, 
As he, "Mercy, Mercy!" begs. 

Mercy, help to rise above it, 
Out of it and into light; 

Fearing naught the future holdeth, 
Tho it seemeth black as night. 



- 115- 



The real reward of a kindly deed, 
Is the feeling of joy it brings; 

For the simple heart and the helping hand, 
Should be prized above most things. 

To see the eye of a little child, 
Light up, when a flower blooms, 

To feel the clasp of a fevered hand, 
When you've sung some old time tunes. 

The look of rest when a pillow's smoothed, 
Or a kind word dropped by the way; 

A Mother's heart made glad by praise, 
Of her baby's curls as he lay. 

A day spent thus in helping men, 
Means happiness untold at night; 

Bringing joy to God's own creatures, 
Helping make their burdens light. 



— 116 



A OT0matt 

A dauntless, confident, sunny woman, 
A wife, a mother and comrade too; 

Giving a feeling of strength and comfort, 
Refreshing the heart as morning dew. 

Oh ! God what a blessing she was to all. 
Her heart with kindness was never done 

She gave of herself to the sick and poor, 
She was a woman if ever was one. 



— 117 — 



A Mm 

What is a Man? 

'Tis thus I hold it true- 
That he of purest heart is man, 

One of the chosen few. 

He who hates all evil, 

And hating wages war 
Against it, without mercy, 

Fighting sinning evermore. 

He who tries to sovern 

Passions, wayward will; 
He who sees hfe's pleasures round him, 

Drinks, but does not take his fill. 

He who fights and suflfers 

To be loyal, good and true, 
For what he loves and worships, 

Finds a life-work here to do. 

Such a man can meet his Master, 
Nor His judgement shrink to face; 

Seeing Heaven's gateway open, 
When at last is run his race. 



118 



®I|? ^nn Stal 



Gray, green and ancient is the sun-dial, 
Standing in the quiet patience on the lawn ; 

A relic of the peaceful yesterday, 
A memory of the olden, golden dawn. 

The ancient life of yore was gay and sweet, 
In long and happy hours did they live; 

And counted not the time by second's length, 
But knew the pleasure that the hour did give. 



-119- 



An Mml 



'Tis strange this calm, this peaceful love ! 

That I can gaze on thee and feel no thrill ; 
That I can clasp your hand nor whisper 

To my live and joyous heart, "Be still !" 

God never made but one like you. 

Such ideals, aspirations, thoughts and ways. 
Has no mere man, who lingers here 

And sleeps his nights and lives his days. 

When I unto the very highest peak, 

Of some great, glorious mountain climb. 

And gaze upon the entire scheme of things, 
I know your very thought, your dream is mine. 

And as we stand surveying all beneath. 

Instinctively you rise, so straight and tall; 

Your soul, it speaks, but ne'er the silence breaks, 
You feel the solemn grandeur of it all. 

'Tis this I love, your soul, your' spirit, all 
Your wondrous heights and depths unknown to men 

Your ever changing moods, your mind, your heart. 
To all I cannot justice do with pen. 

New loves may come and linger near, 
And e'en my fancy wander for a time ; 

Another face may come dear, in my dreams. 
But always will my heart return to thine. 



120 — 



*5ItU 3 iM^t |0U 

The world, dear, never seemed so fair, 

Nor skies so blue ; 
And love, dear, never seemed so rare, 

•Till I met you. 

You made the dark cloud part, my dear, 

And give their light; 
And with you Heaven seems so near, 

Not out of sight. 



— 121 



We've found the Key to the Kingdom of Joy, 
We know the Gate to the City of Hope; 

'Tis for us to secure the blessings, 

Such as will aid us these gates to ope. 

Love it our portion, God's wonderful heart-gift, 
A love that will last thro the vista of years; 

A love that means life and a sv/eet peace forever, 
Away from the world and its strife and its fears. 

Living a life that our God looking down upon. 
Gently will bless, and will murmur, " *Tis well," 

Bearing our crosses and thankful for blessings, 
Knowing but happiness where e'er we dwell. 



122 



jHanlumb 



Ah Lad, your journey's just begun, 

The dimb to Manhood's height is steep; 

But choose the straight course, be it slow, 
Better to hesitate than leap. 

There are guiding lights along your way, 
For God does lend a helping hand; 

Tho dim at first, they'll glow at last, 
If you'll but keep that spark well fanned. 

There's Purity, and Honor, Truth, 
There's Faith in God and fellowmen; 

There's Trust serene, and Love and Hope; 
If you'll but pause, see friends in them. 

And when on Manhood's height you stand. 
And know the ideal life and right, 

Such' guides as these will stay with you, 
To fight for might and win the fight. 



— 123 



Dwells within my soul a hidden 
Something that I can't express 

Lives within my heart a memory 
That is sad but sweet no less. 

As I sit quite still, just thinking, 
Calmly of the days gone by; 

Pondering over love and living, 
Do you wonder that I sigh? 

I have strived to hear devoutly 
Many a holy message sent; 

But my soul has struggled vainly, 
And I've reaped but discontent. 

The whisper of the inner voice, 
Insistent in its quiet tone, 

If heeded not, mayhap departs, 
Leaving us the World alone. 



- 124- 



Ah Death, how little do we heed, 
When Youth and Love and Life are near 

Or heeding shrink, as tho we did 
Some vague, unpleasant future fear. 

Why should we dread your very name, 
Why close our ears and, yea, our minds 

To aught that makes your presence felt, 
Or tends to wreck the tie that binds. 

Death so oft means a blessed rest, 

From chaos, pain and strife ; 
And so its very taste would seem. 

To some more sweet than life. 



— 125- 



I pray the twilight of my life, 
May be calm and dim the light, 

That I in silence and apart, 
Alay prepare for the coming night. 

At morn the fleeting hour sped fast, 
The noon was pleasure's right, 

And now comes twilight's shadow form, 
With thoughts, deep thoughts of night. 

All day my God guided me, 
Thro pangs of heart and mind, 

And I took all and wandered far, 
And little did I find. 

But now with even come to me, 
My grateful heart's a-storm with shame, 

And oft my eyes are wet at thoughts. 
That I should wait 'till night time came. 

When all I might have loved and praised, 

And now no shadows know ; 
And twilight would be soft and sweet. 

As into night I go. 



126 



Chanting its melody of love 

Sparkling flows the silver stream, 

Into the heart of the forest, 
Where it may rest and may dream. 



Bright fireflies kindle their fires, 

'Midst the bushes all around ; 
While the crickets chirp their idyls, 

'Neath the trees their haunts are found. 



Like silver mats the moonlight lies 
On the carpet of the woods; 

The night owl hoots, he calls his mate, 
Answer comes, she understood. 

The leaves are rusthng in the breeze. 
On branches that gently sway, 

And shadows make like dancing sprites. 
That 'round and about do play. 



127 — 



"Atts" 

I would that when I go to sleep, 
No heart may truly mourn for me ; 

No tears be shed, no soul be sad, 
But whisper an Ave on bended knee. 

For death to me is vast, sweet peace, 
And naught may harm me in the grave ; 

Nay, do not pity me, or sigh. 
But whisper an Ave me to save. 

I fear not night that brings this sleep, 
I will not struggle or fight to stay; 

For death seems but the rest I crave. 
Still whisper an Ave at close of day. 

'Tis but my soul will awake from sleep. 
And all of you who loved me best, 

Loved most my soul for that was I, 
So whisper an Ave that it may rest. 



— 128 



